Flamengo already knows who they will face in the semifinals of the NBB (New Basketball Brazil). Leader of the first phase of the competition, Franca will be the opponent of the Rubro-negro, who finished the qualifying phase in fourth place. The first game will be next Friday (06.05), at 21 pm, at the HSBC Arena, in Rio de Janeiro.
 
Then, the teams face each other on Sunday (08.05), at 18 pm, and on 10.05, at 21 pm, both matches at Pedrocão, in Franca. If necessary, the fourth game takes place on 13.05, at 21 pm, at Tijuca Tênis Clube, and the fifth, on 15.05, at 20 pm, in Franca.
 
In the other semifinal, Pinheiros will face Brasília, which closed the best-of-five series in the quarterfinals, 3-2, with a victory over Uberlândia by 91 x 74, on the night of last Monday (02.05), defining the crossovers.
 
Flamengo is seeking its third national title – the second in the NBB (it was champion in 2008 and 2009, in the first edition of the competition). 
 
"Franca is a very strong opponent, one we know well. They have an experienced team that has strengthened this year and grows a lot when playing at home. It will be a very difficult series," analyzed forward/point guard Marcelinho.
 
Flamengo qualified for the semifinals after defeating Bauru 3-1.
 
"Flamengo has been suffering from a lack of consistency, especially in the final minutes of matches. We have to improve in this area to reach the finals," said coach Gonzalo Garcia.
 
Check out the NBB semifinals table
 
GAME 1 - 06.05 (21pm) - Flamengo x Franca – HSBC Arena, RJ
 
GAME 2 - 08.05 (18pm) – Franca x Flamengo – Pedrocão, Franca
 
GAME 3 - 10.05 (21pm) - Franca x Flamengo - Pedrocão, Franca
 
GAME 4 - 13.05 (21pm) - Flamengo x Franca - Tijuca, RJ (if necessary)
 
GAME 5 - 15.05 (20pm) – Franca x Flamengo – Pedrocão, Franca (if necessary)